国际英语新闻:EU “strongly” condemns attacks by militants in Iraq

BRUSSELS, Aug. 10 (Xinhua) -- The European Union on Sunday strongly condemn the latest attacks by the so called "Islamic State" (IS) and other armed groups in Iraq.

"We are appalled by the rapid deterioration of the humanitarian situation with hundreds of thousands civilians, mainly from minorities, fleeing the areas of conflict as a result of persecution and violation of basic human rights," the European External Action Service (EEAS), the EU’s foreign policy arm said in a statement.

The EEAS noted that some of these acts may constitute crimes against humanity and must be investigated swiftly, so that the perpetrators are held accountable.

The EEAS said the EU and its Member States are providing urgent humanitarian aid to the civilian population, together with other international partners, directly and through UN agencies and non-governmental organisations.

"We call on all parties to abide by international humanitarian law, ensure humanitarian access and facilitate the delivery of assistance, " added the statement.

The U.S. military on Saturday had launch four airstrikes against forces of Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) in Iraq, U.S. Department of Defense said via its official Twitter account.

U.S. warplanes also bombed several Islamist fighters in the first two rounds of strikes near the northern Iraqi city of Erbil on Friday.